Strong Winds Could Cause Damage and Power Outages

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - The National Weather Service has issued a High Winds Warning for all NE Indiana and NW Ohio counties through 8 pm tonight.

"We're already seeing gusts this morning - a harbinger of the stronger winds yet to come," says Indiana's NewsCenter Chief Meteorologist Curtis Smith. The windy city of Chicago could see the strongest winds in 70 years.

"There's a real risk of damage to trees, shingles coming off roofs, and even power outages from downed power lines," says Curtis, who along with his team of meteorologists Chris Daniels and Jason Meyers have been monitoring the development of a powerful low pressure system in the upper plains that is pushing a strong cold front into Indiana. Winds of 30 miles an hour will be common, and gusts to 50 miles an hour in parts of Indiana expected.

Using exclusive Pinpoint VIPIR HD and AccuWeather, Indiana's NewsCenter forecasters expect a big change in our weather over the next few days. "High winds will be the biggest concern," says meteorologist Chris Daniels. He says forecasters refer to lower pressure systems like this one 'a bomb,' because of the powerful effect it creates.

Along that cold front, thunderstorms are expected to develop and push rapidly across the state. "Fueling all of this has been warm air being pushed up from the Gulf," says meteorologist Jason Meyers. Isolated tornadoes are possible.

Watch for updated forecasts from meteorologist Chris Daniels this morning on air and online www.incnow.tv.